Coin separator and slug ejector



March 21, 1961 Filed NOV. 16, 1954 C. GABRIELSEN COIN SEPARATOR AND SLUGEJECTOR 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CHR/sT/n/v 645/2154 SEN ATTORNEYMarch 21, 1961 c. GABRIELSEN COIN SEPARATOR AND SLUG EJECTOR 8Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 16, 1954 INVENTOR ('HR/ST/QA/ 6452/5455 wQQw-M ATTORNEY C. GABRIELSEN COIN SEPARATOR AND SLUG EJECTOR March 21,1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 16, 1954 E i/LL 2 INVENTOR. O/R/ST/FM/GQBRIELSEA/ BY/k L g HTTOIQNE) March 21, 1961 c. GABRIELSEN comSEPARATOR AND swc EJECTOR 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 16, 1954 IINVENTOR. (fie/5mm 6452/5455 4 T rap/J5 Y C. GABRIELSEN COIN SEPARATORAND SLUG EJECTOR March 21,1961

8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 16, 1954 INVENTOR. One/s r/nu GHBE/EZSEN '4TTOEA/E Y March 21, 1961 c. GABRIELSEN com SEPARATOR AND SLUG EJECTOR 8Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Nov. 16, 1954 ii INVENTOR.

CHE/5779M GABE/ELSEN ML F7 7 TOR/V5 March 21, 19 c. GABRIELSEN 2,975,880

com SEPARATOR AND SLUG EJECTOR Filed NOV. 16, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet 8(me/s new Gees/4 5m H TTORA/EY United States Patent O COIN SEPARATOR ANDSLUG EJECTOR Christian Gahrielsen, Mountain Lakes, N.J., assignor toRowe Manufacturing Co., Inc., Whippany, N.J., a corporation of New YorkFiled Nov. 16, 1954, Ser. No. 469,183

6 Claims. (Cl. 194-99) My invention relates to a coin separator and slugejector for use with coin-operated machines and more particularly to animproved coin separator and slug ejector which is simple inconstruction, which is certain in operation, and which may readily bedisassembled for cleaning.

In machines, the operation of which is responsive to the deposit ofcoins therein, some means must be provided for separating the variousdenominations of coins from each other before the coins reach themechanism to be actuated thereby. It is necessary, also, in suchmachines that spurious coins, counterfeit coins, or slugs be separatedfrom genuine coins, prevented from reaching the coinactuated mechanismor coin register and ejected from the machine. Various means andmechanisms have been suggested in the prior art for classifyingdeposited coins and separating them into the various denominations.Means also are provided in devices of the prior art for arresting themovement of certain types of spurious coins toward the coin register andfor separating other types of spurious coins from true coins. Somedevices of the prior art employ magnets to arrest the movement offerrous slugs toward the coin register. When such a magnet is employed,scavenging means must be provided for freeing the coin from the magnetand ejecting it from the machine. One scavenging device employed in theprior art generally is an arm which sweeps across the face of the keepermagnet when the scavenging mechanism is operated. This construction iscomplicated and involves the use of a member which must enter into thecoin track of the machine. In the event this arm becomes stuck orderanged for any reason, the entire coin separator must be disassembledto remedy the difliculty. The machines of the prior art also generateeddy currents by means of magnets for afiecting the trajectory of coinsor slugs leaving the coin track to direct the coins toward an acceptanceor a rejection opening. It will readily be appreciated that theoperation of such eddy current generating means is critical and thetrajectory of a coin or slug will also depend upon the initial velocityof the coin being tested as it enters the field of the eddy currentgenerating assembly. Most machines of the prior art are not intended toreceive pennies. However, pennies are very often intentionally oraccidentally deposited in the coin slot of the machine. Because of theirsize and weight they may become stuck in the coin passage of the machineand prevent further operation of the coin separator. The coin separatorsof the prior art are generally formed as a unit with many of theoperating parts enclosed by fixedly mounted or fixedly hinged plates. Itwill readily be appreciated that these coin separators, no matter howaccurately they perform their function of separating slugs from coins,may become inoperative for many reasons. For example, paper, gum, syrup,or the like deposited in the coin slot by vandals may render themechanism inoperative. Further,

even the ordinary accumulation of dirt in the course of Patented Mar.21, 1961 'ice normal use may so affect the mechanism that it does notproperly perform its function. In coin separators and slug ejectors ofthe prior art, a costly and time-consuming disassembly of the mechanismmust be undertaken when it becomes necessary to clean the mechanism.

1 have invented an improved coin separator and slug ejector which isextremely simple in construction, which is certain in operation, andwhich may readily be disassembled for cleaning. Further, my improvedcoin separator and slug ejector overcomes many of the difficultiesinherent in similar devices of the prior art. I have provided mystructure with a swingably mounted ferrous keeper magnet which isoperated by the scavenging mechanism to scrape a caught slug off theface thereof. Thus I have obviated the necessity for employing a memberwhich must sweep into the coin path of the device. Further, I haveprovided brakes for slowing coins as they leave the various coin tracksto enter the field of my eddy current separating means. Thus Iaccomplish a more accurate separation of spurious coins from true coinsin accordance with the material of which they are constituted. Further,my device may readily be disassembledso that access may be had to alloperating parts with a minimum of disassembly operations.

One object of my invention is to provide a coin separator and slugejector which is simple in construction, which is certain in operation,and which may readily be disassembled and assembled.

A further object of my invention is to provide a coin separator and slugejector which overcomes the disadvantages of analogous devices of theprior art.

Other and further objects of my invention will appear from the followingdescription.

In general, my invention contemplates the provision of a coin classifierin which coins are separated into their denominations roughly accordingto size and weight. A pair of scales are provided for weighing quartersand nickels. Coins smaller than a nickel are not weighed, but pass .tothe dime passageway. After coins have been thus roughly classified 'bysize and weight, they are tested for proper composition by means of aneddy current generating device in the form of permanent magnets. Thearrangement is such that coins of a proper composition will have acorrect residual momentum to pass between a pair of separating points.Coins having a greater residual momentum than that desired are bouncedby one separating point to the coin return chute. Coins having a smallerresidual momentum than that possessed by a genuine coin are bounced byanother separating point to the coin return chute. The permanent magnetsand separating points are mounted upon carrying plates which may berapidly and conveniently removed for cleaning and adjustment. Themounting plates may employ the magnetism of the eddy current generatingmagnets to retain the mounting plates in position in my assembly. Myinvention contemplates the provision of a coin separator and slugejector for coin-operated machines which includes a coin slot forreceiving coins for conditioning for operation the machine with which mydevice is used. Immediately adjacent the coin slot in the path of travelof all coins deposited in the slot -I arrange a catcher for arrestingthe movement of washers or spurious coins formed with holes. This washercatcher is also arranged to operate as an antitilt device which preventsthe passage of all coins including spurious coins, sings, and true coinsinto the device when the machine is tilted. Following the washer catcherI provide a common coin passage through which all coins passing by thewasher catcher are to travel. Adjacent this coin path I mount a ferrouskeeper magnet for arresting the further movement of a slug of ferrousmaterial. Also disposed ans-asst).

in this passage are scales which are weighted to be tilted by coins ofvarious denominations. Each scale tilts to dump or pass a coin of aweight equal to that for which the scale is set in one of a number ofcoin tracks provided in the machine. Each of the coin tracks of themachine is adapted to receive a coin of a particular denomination. Forexample, if the assembly is to handle nickles, dimes, and quarters,three coin tracks are provided. Arranged in each of the coin tracks Iprovide eddy current generating means for aiding in separating truecoins from spurious coins according to their composition. Abrakingdevice is mounted at the point along each of the coin tracks at which acoin to be tested enters the field of the eddy current generatingdevice. These brakes temporarily arrest the movement of a coin or slugalong the path of travel before the coin or slug comes under theinfluence of the eddy current generating permanent magnet. These eddycurrent devices assist in directing true coins toward a true coindischarge opening and in directing slugs toward a slug dischargeopening. In order to eject slugs which are caught by the washer catcheror by the ferrous keeper magnet, I provide my device with scavengingmeans. This scavenging means also moves stuck coins, such as pennies,out of the common coin passage and ejects such coins from the machine Inthe accompanying drawings which form part of the instant specificationand which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which likereference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved coin separator and slugejector when viewed generally from one side thereof.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of my improved coin separator and slugejector when viewed generally from the other side to that shown inFigure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view, drawn on a reduced scale, of my improvedcoin separator and slug ejector with one of the eddy current magnetmounting plates removed to show the quarter coin track of the assembly.7 Figure 4 is a perspective view, drawn on a reduced scale, of the eddycurrent generating magnet mounting plate which was removed from Figure3.

Figure 5 is a sectional View of my improved coin separator and slugejector taken generally along the path of travel of a twenty-five-centcoin deposited in the assembly.

Figure 6 is a perspective view, drawn on a reduced scale, of my improvedcoin separator and slug ejector with one of the eddy current generatingmagnet mounting plates removed to show the dime and nickel coin tracksof the assembly.

Figure 7 is a perspective view, drawn on a reduced scale, of the eddycurrent generating magnet mounting plate which was removed from Figure6.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of my improved coin separator and slugejector taken generally along the path of travel of a five-cent coin.

Figure 9 is a sectional view, drawn on a reduced scale, of my improvedcoin separator and slug ejector taken generally along the path of travelof a ten-cent coin.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevation, drawn on a reduced scale, of myimproved coin separator and slug ejector with parts broken away.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary elevation, drawn on a reduced scale, of myimproved coin separator and slug ejector showing thepivotally mountedferrous keeper magnet and washer catcher.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of my improved coin separator and slugejector taken along the line 12-12 of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of my improved coin separatorand slug ejector taken along the line 13-13 of Figure 10.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of my improved coin separatorand slug ejector taken along the line 14-14 of Figure 10.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of my improved coin separatorand slug ejector taken along the line 1515 of Figure 10.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary perspective view, with parts removed, of myimproved coin separator and slug ejector showing the means for wipingthe portion of the common coin channel adjacent the entrance to the dimecoin track.

Figure 17 is a schematic view showing trajectories of various slugs orcoins of different material as they leave a coin track after havingpassed through the field of the eddy current generating means.

More particularly, referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, myimproved coin separator and slug ejector includes a main mounting plate10 which may be formed of sheet metal or the like and bent along theedges to form the sides 1?. and 14 of the assembly. The upper left-handcorner of the plate 16, as viewed in Figure l, is shaped to form threesides of a coin slot, indicated generally by the reference character 16.The upper portion of plate 10 also forms the stationary wall of a commoncoin channel which receives coins deposited in the coin slot 16. Inorder to complete the coin slot and to complete the common coin channel,I pivotally mount a movable wall 18 adjacent the top of plate 10, asviewed in Figures 1 and 2. Movable wall 13 is formed of any material,such as sheet metal or the like, and is provided with a pair of cars 20and 22, seen in Figure 2. A pair of ears 24 and 26 formed in the upperedge of plate 10 provide a means by which the movable wall 18 may bemounted on plate 10 by means of its ears 20 and 22. As can best be seenby reference to Figures 2 and 3, a rod 28 passes through all the cars20, 24, 22, and 26 to provide a pivotal connection between movable wall18 and the plate 10. Movable wall 18 is provided with an inclinedportion 30 which cooperates with the portion of plate 10 which is shapedto form the coin slot.

All coins which are deposited in the coin opening 16 pass into thecommon coin passage or channel formed by the upper portion of the plate10 and the movable wall 18. This channel will be described in detailhereinafter. In order to prevent the passage of washers, or otherspurious coins formed with holes, from the coin opening 16 into thecommon coin channel, I arrange a washer catcher, indicated generally bythe reference character 32, in the path of coins traveling from theopening 16 into the common coin passage. The washer catcher 32 ispivotally mounted on a pin 34 carried by a bracket 36 fixed to theportion 30 of the movable wall 18 by any convenient means such as arivet 38 or the like. One end of the washer catcher 32 is formed wit-h ahook 40 which is adapted to extend through an opening 42 formed in thewall 18 so as to be in the path of coins or slugs passing from theopening 16 into the common coin channel. The end of the washer catcher32 remote from the hook 40 is provided with a weight 44 which biases thecatcher 32 so that its hook 40 extends into the coin passage. Thearrangement is such that a solid coin inserted in the opening 16 engageshook 40' and pivots the catcher 32 outwardly in the course of thepassage of a coin from opening 16 to the common coin slot. The relativeangular disposition of hook 4t) and the position of weight 44 is such,however, that if a slug formed with a hole is dropped into the opening16, catcher 32 will initially be pivoted outwardly as the edge of theslug engages hook 40. However, as heck 40 passes over the opening in theslug, weight 44 pivots catcher 32 so that hook 40 engages in the openingin the slug and arrests the movement thereof. Such an arrested coin isdischarged from the machine when a scavenging operation is performed ina manner to be described hereinafter.

After having passed by washer catcher 32, coins deposited in the opening16 travel into the common coin passage formed between movable wall 18and the plate 10. As can be seen by reference to Figure 6, the initialportion of the bottom of this common coin passage is formed by a flange46 provided along the bottom edge of the movable wall 18. In order tocomplete the bottom of the common coin passage, I provide a number ofweighing scales separated by bosses mounted on the plate 10. As can bestbe seen by reference to Figures 2, 6, and 10, these scales include aquarter scale 48 formed with a pair of cars 50 and 52 by means of whichthe scale is pivotally mounted on a rod 54 carried by a pair of flanges56 and 58 formed in the plate 10. It will readily be apparent that thescale 48 is mounted on the side of plate other than that on which themovable wall 18 is disposed. Scale 48 extends through an open ing 60formed in the plate 10 so that its end has adjacent the movable wall 18to complete the portion of the bottom of the coin path adjacent theentrance to the quarter coin chute. The end of scale 48 remote from themovable wall "18 is provided with a weight arranged to bias the scale toa position to close the portion of the common coin passage adjacent theentrance to the quarter coin chute. This weight may conveniently takethe form of a pair of nuts 62 secured to the scale 48 by a screw 64. Thearrangement is such that coins which pass by the washer catcher 32 andtravel along the portion 46 of the bottom of the common coin passagetravel over scale 48. If these coins or slugs have a weight which is atleast equal to the weight of a quarter, the scale will be tilted topermit the passage of the coin or slug downwardly out of the common coinpassage and into the quarter coin chute, indicated generally by thereference character 65 in Figure 3.

If a coin or slug deposited in the opening 16 weighs less than atwenty-five-cent piece, it continues in its movement along the commoncoin passage. Following the quarter scale in the common coin passage, Iprovide a nickel scale 66 which is responsive to a coin or slug weighingat least as much as a five-cent piece. Referring now to Figure 6, inorder to complete the portion of the coin passage between the quarterscale 48 and the nickel scale 66, I mount a boss 68 on plate 10 by anyconvenient means such as a rivet or the like. Referring again to Figures2 and -10, the nickel scale 66 is formed with a pair of ears 70 and 72by means of which it is pivotally mounted on rod 54. A weight, whichconveniently may be a nut 74 secured to an end of scale 66 by a screw76, biases scale 66 so that its end remote from nut 74 extends throughan opening 78 in plate 10 to complete the portion of the bottom of thecoin passage adjacent the entrance to the nickel coin track, to bedescribed hereinafter. All coins which have a weight which is less thana quarter will pass over the scale 48 and travel toward scale 66. Ifthese coins or similarly weighted slugs have a weight which is greaterthan or equal to that of a five-cent piece, they will tilt scale 66 andpass into the nickel coin track, indicated generally by the referencecharacter 79 in Figure 6. Coins which weigh less than a nickel continueto travel toward the ten-cent coin track, to be described hereinafter.Referring now to Figure 6, in order to complete the portion of thebottom of the common coin passage between the fivecent scale 66 and theentrance to the dime coin track, indicated generally by the referencecharacter 39, I mount a boss 82 on plate 10 by any convenient means suchas rivets.

The plate 10 and the eddy current generating magnet carrying plates mayadvantageously be formed of aluminum, or the like. An insert 11, whichcan be best seen by reference to Figures 3 and 6, formed of paramagneticmaterial is placed in an appropriate opening in the plate 10. Theinsert11 is positioned adjacent the magnets which, as will be pointed outhereinafter, are adapted to create eddy currents in the metallic coinsfalling past them in coin tracks. The paramagnetic material completesthe path through which the magnetic flux from the magnets flows.

I have provided a means for arresting the movement along the common coinpassage of slugs formed of ferrous material. As can be seen by referenceto Figure 1, I mount a ferrous keeper magnet 84 on an arm 86 by anymeans such as soldering, or the like. Arm 86 is pivotally mounted on apin 88 carried by the movable wall 18. As a slug of ferrous materialpasses from the opening 16 downwardly along the common coin passageformed by wall 18 and plate 10, its movement will be arrested by magnet84. In order to remove such a slug from the common coin passage, Iprovide means, to be described hereinafter, for pivoting arm 86 in aclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 1, during a scavengingoperation. As arm 86 pivots clockwise, the slug arrested by magnet 84 isdrawn upwardly and is engaged with a scraper 90 fixedly secured tomovable wall 18 by any convenient means. As magnet 84 and arm 86continue their upward movement they will move relative to the ferrousslug so that the slug will no longer be held by the magnetic field ofmagnet 84 but will drop into the slug ejection path in a manner to bedescribed more fully hereinafter.

From the structure thus far described it will readily be appreciatedthat slugs and coins inserted in the opening 16 are first engaged by thewasher catcher 32 which arrests the movement of any spurious orundesired coin or slug formed with a hole. If the coins or slugs passwasher catcher 32, they will travel to the common coin passage formed bymovable wall 18, the plate 10, flange 46, the scales 48 and 66, andbosses 68 and 82. As can readily be seen by reference to Figure 6, thecommon coin passage is inclined downwardly to the right as viewed in thefigure so that coins or slugs travel by gravity along this passage. Itis to be noted further that the scraper 90 which removes coins caught byferrous keeper magnet 84 also forms the top of the common coin passage.The distance between this piece and the bottom of the coin passage issuch that coins having a diameter greater than that of a quarter willbecome lodged in the passage. Referring now to Figure 6, a projection92, which may be a pin or the like, is fixed in the plate 10 over thenickel scale 66. This pin is so spaced from scale 66 that a coin havinga diameter which is greater than that of a nickel cannot pass by the pinand over the scale 66. I provide a second projection which may be a pin94 mounted on plate 10 over the boss 82. Pin 94 is so spaced from theboss 82 that a coin having a diameter greater than a dime but less thana nickel as, for example, a penny, cannot pass by pin 94 and into thedime coin track 80. Thus, a penny may pass pin 92 and has not sufficientweight to tilt scale 66. It is not, however, permitted to arrive at theentrance to the dime coin chute but is arrested by pin 94. Such a coinwill be removed from the common coin passage upon a scavenging operationin a manner to be described hereinafter. It can be seen that coins andslugs which pass by Washer catcher 32 travel down the common coinpassage where they are classified and separated according to weight bythe scales 48 and 66 and according to diameter by scraper 90, pin 92,and pin 94. The spacing between the movable wall 18 and the plate 10 isso selected that a coin or slug which is thicker than a true five-centpiece will become lodged in the common coin passage. In this manner, notonly diameter and weight, but also thickness of a coin is measured. Itwill be appreciated that slugs of ferrous material will be arrested bythe ferrous keeper magnet 84.

Coins or slugs of the proper diameter and thickness which have a Weightsufficient to tilt the twenty-five-cent scale 48 pass out of the commoncoin passage and down- "2 wardly into the twenty-five-cent coin track,indicated generally by reference character 65. Referring now to Figure3, a portion 96 of the plate is bent inwardly to receive coins from thescale 43 and direct them toward the side of plate 10 other than that onwhich movable wall 18 is mounted. After being directed from one side tothe other of plate 10 by portion 96, coins or slugs received from scale48 travel by gravity along the twentyfive-cent coin track 65. Coin track65 is formed by a curved track 98 fixed to the plate 10 by any suitablemeans. Coinsor slugs are directed along this track by a triangularmember 100 welded to plate 10. The coin track 65 has one side thereofformed by the plate 10 and the paramagnetic insert 11. The other side ofthis quarter coin track is formed by a removable quarter eddy currentmagnet mounting plate 102 shown in Figure 4. As can be seen by referenceto Figures 2 and 3, mounting plate 102 is formed with a pair ofbifurcated flanges 104 and 106 on the bottom thereof. Plate 10 carries arod 108 mounted in a pair of brackets 110 and 112 welded to bosses 114and 116 fixed to the plate 10. The bifurcated flanges 105 and 106 may beengaged with rod 108 and the removable eddy current magnet mountingplate swung into place in the assembly. A pin 118 carried on piece 100engages an opening 120 in plate 102 properly to register plate 102 withthe plate 10. After coins or slugs travel by gravity down the track 98,they are directed substantially horizontally off the track 98 and intothe field of an eddy current magnet 122 fixed on plate 102 by anyconvenient means such as screws 124. It is well known that a metallicmember passing through a magnetic field will have eddy currentsgenerated therein which exert a braking effect thereon, thus afiectingthe rate of travel of the element through the field. When such anelement is projected substantially horizontally into such a magenticfield, it tends to drop under the influence of gravity, but itstrajectory is affected by the eddy current braking resulting from themagnetic field. I have arranged my eddy current magnet 122 to affect thetrajectories of coins or slugs leaving the track 98 so that genuinequarters will be directed to an acceptance opening and spurious coins orslugs will be directed toward a rejection opening. It will readily beappreciated that as coins 'or slugs which have traveled down the track98 under the influence of gravity enter the field of eddy current magnet122, they have a certain initial velocity. If this initial velocity ishigh, the proportionate effect of the eddy current braking resultingfrom magnet 122 will not be sufiiciently great to cause any appreciabledifierence in trajectories of coins of various compositions. In order toreduce this initial velocity so that the proportionate efiect of theeddy current braking on the over-all trajectory of the coin will begreater, 1 provide a braking means for reducing the initial velocity ofcoins or slugs as they leave track 98 and enter the field of magnet 122.This braking means includes an arcuate arm 126 pivoted on a pin 128carried by plate 10 and normally resting under the influence of gravityon a projection 130 on the plate 10. As a coin or slug approaches theend of track 98, its edge is engaged by the end of arm 126 to pivot thearm in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3. It willreadily be appreciated that this action substantially reduces the randomcomponent of initial velocity of a coin or slug as it enters the path ofeddy current magnet 122. It will readily be appreciated also that whileall coins entering track 65 from scale 48 have a weight which is atleast equal to the weight of a quarter, they may be of varying weights.Owing to friction differences of coins of different weights on the cointrack, different coins may arrive at the end of track 93 with diiferentvelocities. The brake efiect of arm 126 reduces this random differencein velocity of coins or slugs of differing weights as they enter thefield of eddy current magnet 122 so that all coins or slugs enter thefield with substantially the same velocity. Consequently, thesensitivity of the eddy current braking separation of coins fi om slugsis not appreciably afiected by variance in the respective weights ofcoins coming from scale 48.

As has been mentioned hereinabove, eddy current magnet 122 affects thetrajectories of coins or slugs passing through its field, depending uponthe composition of the coin or slug. Theeifect of the eddy currentmagnet on the coin or slug may readily be related to the. physicalproperties of the material from which the coin or slug is formed. Forexample, if a coin has a high conductivity, the braking eifect of theeddy current magnet will be large. If, on the other hand, the coin orslug has a low electrical conductivity, the braking effect of the eddycurrent magnet will be less. If a coin or slug has a large mass, thebraking of the eddy current device will not have as great an effect onits trajectory, since the mo- :mentum of the coin or slug passingthrough the eddy current magnet field will be high. The relationshipbetween the trajectories of coins or slugs of various materials passingthrough the field of the eddy current magnet 122 may be expressed interms of residual momentum, which, assuming the velocities of all coinsor slugs to be equal, is proportional to the product of the electricalresistivity and the specific gravity of the material from which the coinor slug is formed. The following table represents a calculation of therelative residual momentum which may be expected of various materials.The valum given are by way of example only, and the quantity designatedresidual momentum is calculated only for the purpose of illustrating therelative trajectories which may be expected for various materials ofwhich coins and slugs may be formed.

TABLE Reszdual momentum =f (p6) Resistivity Material (p), MicrohrnSpecific Residual Centimeters Gravity (5) Momentum at 20 C.

2. 2. 70 7. 56 l. 72 8. 14. 31 l. 59 10. 50 16. 7O 5. 80 7. 10 41. 13 7.00 8. 60 60. 2O 7. 80 8. 75 68. 25 22. 00 11. 40 250. 80 German Silver33. 00 8. 40 277. 20

From the foregoing table it can be seen that the eddy current magnetwill have relatively little efiect on materials sueh as German silverand lead. On the other hand, the table indicates that the eddy currentmagnet has a relatively much greater effect of materials such as copperand aluminum. Lying between these two groups is silver, the material ofwhich twenty-five-cent pieces are formed. A schematic view of therelative trajectories of these various materials is shown in Figure 17with residual momentum plotted on a logarithmic scale.

The plate 10 is formed with an opening 132 adjacent the bottom thereofinto which true quarters are to be directed. The portion of plate 10forming the base of the opening 132 is provided with a projection 134extended outwardly as viewed in Figure 3 to direct coins into theopening 132. The boss 116 on the bottom of plate 10 is adapted to directspurious coins toward an opening 136 formed at the right-hand side ofthe bottom of the assembly by plates 10?. and 10. In order to directtrue quarters or slugs toward the proper respective openings 132 or 136in accordance with the extent to which their trajectories are aifectedby the eddy current braking means, I provide the plate 102 with a coinbouncing means and with a separating point both disposed in the path ofvarious slugs or coins which have passed through the field of magnet122. As can be seen by reference to Figures 2 and 3, the bouncer 138 mayconveniently be formed of a bent wire adjustably carried on plate 102 bya, screw 14.0

and having an end extending through a slot 142 formed in plate 102. Apivoted separator 144 is carried on a pin 146 fixed on a bracket 148having a bifurcated end by means of which it is adjustably mounted onplate 102 by a screw 150. Separator 144 has an end extending through anopening 152 in plate 102. The arrangement is such that the edge ofseparator 144 is presented to coins passing downwardly from track 98toward the separator.

The disposition of the bouncer 138 and the separator 144 in theassembled position is indicated in phantom in Figure 3. The position ofbouncer 138 is such that it lies in the path of a spurious quarter whichis formed of a material which is affected to a lesser degree by the eddycurrent braking magnet 122 than a genuine coin. The path of such aspurious coin is indicated in dotted lines in Figure 3. figure, such acoin, which may be formed of a material such as German silver, lead,nickel, brass, zinc, or the like, travels through the field of magnet122 and strikes bouncer 138 so as to be directed downwardly toward theAs can be seen by reference to the separator 144. Its path is such thatit strikes the righthand side of separator 144 as viewed in Figure 3. Itis thereafter directed toward the opening 136 from whence it passes to asuitable slug or coin return receptacle (not shown). A coin formed of amaterial such as aluminum or copper which is affected greatly by theeddy current braking magnet 122 follows a path indicated in broken linesin Figure 3. After leaving track 98 such a coin drops rapidly to engagethe right-hand side of separator 144 as viewed in Figure 3. Separator144 directs this coin toward the slug opening 136. A good coin formed ofsilver follows a path indicated by the dot-dash lines of Figure 3. Thetrajectory of a good coin is such that after leaving the field of magnet122 it strikes the left-hand side of separator 144 as viewed in Figure 3and is directed toward projection 134 which deflects the coin into theopen ing 132 from whence it passes into the quarter discharge opening ofthe assembly.

As can be seen by reference to Figures 3 and 5, a quarter deposited inthe opening 16 is first sensed by the washer catcher '32 from which itpasses into the common coin passage where it is sized for diameter byscraper 90 and weighed by scale 48. After tilting scale 48 it passesdownwardly along coin track 98 to be engaged by brake 126 whichdetermines its initial velocity as it passes into the field of eddycurrent magnet 122. The magnetic field of eddy current magnet 122 soaffects the trajectory of a true quarter that it is directed into theopening 132 by separator 144 and projection 134 from whence it passesoutwardly from the bottom of the assembly through a true quarterdischarge opening 135.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the nickel and dime coil tracks 79 and80 are arranged on the other side of plate 10 from the quarter cointrack. The nickel coin track which receives coins and slugs of properdiameter and weight from scale 66 is formed by a depending curvedportion 146 of boss 82. One side of the nickel coin track 79 is formedby plate 10 and paramagnetic insert 11. The other side of the coin trackis formed by a removable nickel and dime eddy current generating magnetmounting plate 148 illustrated in Figure 7. As can be seen by referenceto Figures 1 and 7, plate 148 is formed with a pair of bifurcatedflanges 150 and 152 adjacent the bottom thereof. A rod 154 is mounted atone end in a bracket 156 welded to a boss 158 fixed on plate 10. Theother end of rod 154 is fixed in side 14 of the assembly. It willreadily be appreciated that plate 148 may be assembled on plate 10 byengaging the bifurcations of flanges 150 and 152 with the rod 154 andswinging plate 148 upwardly to the position shown in Figure 1. It willbe appreciated that, owing to the insert 11 of paramagnetic material inplate 10, not only do I provide for the completion of the flux path ofthe fields of the eddy current magnets of my device, but I am enabled toretain the eddy current generating magnet mounting plates in theirassembled positions. Plate 148 carries a five-cent eddy current brakingmagnet 160 mounted thereon by screws 162. The disposition of magnet 160when plate 148 is in the assembled position is indicated in phantom inFigure 6. It is arranged adjacent the end of track 79 so that nickelsand slugs leaving portion 146 must pass through the field of the magnet.As was explained in connection with the twenty-five-cent coin track,eddy current magnet 160 affects the trajectories of five-cent coins andslugs leaving track 146. In order to ensure that five-cent coins andslugs leaving track 79 have approximately the same initial velocity whenthey enter the field of the magnet 160 and to minimize the efiect ofrandom variations in the respective weights of five-cent coins andslugs, I pivotally mount a five-cent coin brake 164 on a pin 166 inplate 10. Brake 164 is biased by weights, which may be nuts 1'68 carriedby a screw 170 fixed in an end of brake 164, to a position wherefive-cent coins and slugs passing downwardly along extension 146 will beengaged by the brake. If necessary, slots 172 may be provided in plate10 and plate 148 to permit movement of the screws 170 and the nuts 168carried thereby. The path of a spurious nickel formed of a materialwhich is not appreciably affected by the eddy current braking magnet 160is indicated in Figure 6 by a dotted line. As can be seen by referenceto Figure 17, the materials which are affected by the eddy currentbraking magnet to a lesser degree than is nickel are German silver andlead. After having left the field of eddy current magnet 160, such coinsstrike the inclined edge 174 of an anvil 176 secured to plate 10 byscrews 178. Since such materials have a low coefiicient of restitution,they bounce from surface 174 with reduced velocity and drop toward aslug opening 179 formed by plate 10, plate 148, and boss 158. The pathof spurious nickels, which are formed of material which is affected bythe eddy current braking magnetto a greater degree than is nickel, isindicated in Figure 6 by broken lines. Such spurious coins are affectedby eddy current magnet 160 to a degree where they pass between anvil 176and a separating point 180 carried by plate 10 without striking eitherthe anvil or the separatingpoint. They pass directly into the slugopening. The path of genuine nickels is indicated by dotdash lines inFigure 6. Such coins are affected by the eddy current magnet to a degreewhere they strike the surface 174 of anvil 176. Since they are formed ofan alloy which has a relatively high coeflicient of restitution, theybounce off surface 174 and over separating point 180. After passing overseparating point 180 these coins are engaged by a lateral projection 182formed in plate 10. Projection 1'82 directs genuine five-cent piecesthrough an opening 184 formed in plate 148. As can be seen by referenceto Figures 1 and 8, opening 184- is provided with a cover 186 whichdirects nickels to a fivecent-piece discharge opening in the bottom ofthe assembly. This opening is indicated by the reference character 188in Figure 8.

Coins or slugs which are small enough in diameter and thin enough topass through the common coin passage without engaging pin 92 and whichdo not have a weight sufficient to tilt scales 48 or 66 pass under pin92 toward pin 94. If the coins or 'slugs have a diameter which isgreater than that of a dime, they will be caught by the pin 94 and willthus be prevented from entering the tencent coin track 80. If, however,the coins have a diameter which is equal to or less than a dime, theywill pass into the coin track 80, the bottom of which is formed by acurved surface 190 provided by a boss 192 secured to the plate 10. Inorder to test such coins or slugs according to the material of whichthey are constituted, I mount a ten-cent eddy current braking magnet 194on the plate 148 by any means such as screws 196. Magnet 194 isindicatedin phantom in Figure .6 and is so posi:

tioned that coins or slugs leaving the track surface 190 come under theinfluence of the magnetic field provided by the magnet 194. Thetrajectories of such coins or slugs will be affected in accordance withthe residual momentum of the materials of which they are constituted.The action of this eddy-current generating magnet is the same as that ofthe five-cent and twenty-five-cent eddy current braking magnets. Inorder to ensure that all coins or slugs enter the field of eddy currentmagnet 194 at substantially the same initial velocity, I pivotally mountthe brake 198 on a pin 200 carried by plate 18. A suitable weight whichmay be nuts 202 carried by a screw 204 in the end of brake 198 remotefrom pin 200 biases the brake to a position where it is engaged by theedge of a coin or slug passing down the dime coin track 80. Suitableopenings 206 may be provided in the plates and 148 to permit movement ofthe nuts 202 carried by screws 204. In order to separate coins fromslugs their paths of travel are caused to be varied by the eddy currentmagnet 194 for cooperation with a bouncer 208 positioned in the path ofcertain of the spurious coins leaving the field of magnet 194 with aresidual momentum higher than that of a good coin. Bouncer 208 issimilar to the quarter bouncer 138 provided in the quarter coin track..It is formed of a length of wire and is adjustably carried by a screw210 secured to the plate 148. As can be seen by reference to Figures 1and 7, bouncer 208 extends into the space between plates 10 and 148through a slot 212. An additional separator 214 is pivotally carried bya pin 216 fixed in a bracket 218 adjustably mounted on plate 148 by ascrew 220. Separator 214 extends through an opening 222 into the spacebetween plates 10 and 148 to separate coins in a manner to be described.

The path of spurious coins formed of material which is affected by theeddy current braking magnet 194 to a lesser degree than is silver, ofwhich dimes are formed, as indicated in Figure 6 by the dotted line. Ascan be seen by reference to the figure, such a spurious coin is notslowed down to an appreciable degree by eddy current magnet 194, butfollows a path such that it strikes the left edge of separator 214. Aprojection 224 formed on boss 158 provides a track along which such acoin is guided to the slug opening 179. A spurious coin which followsthe dotted path shown in Figure 6 would be formed of a material such asGerman silver, lead, nickel, brass, or zinc, as is indicated in Figure17. The path of a spurious coin which is formed of a material which isaffected to a greater degree than is coin silver is indicated by thebroken line in Figure 6. Such a spurious coin or slug would be oneformed of copper or aluminum, as indicated by Figure 17. Since such aspurious coin is greatly retarded by the effect of the eddy currentbraking magnet 194, it drops substantially vertically from the surface190 to a point where its edge engages the bouncer 208. Such a coinbounces off bouncer 208 to the guide 224 from whence it is directedtoward the slug opening 179. It is to be noted that spurious coins whichare retarded to a greater degree than are silver coins are formed ofmaterials which have a sufliciently high coeflicient of restitution tocause them to bounce from bouncer 208 to the guide 224. The path of agenuine dime is indicated in Figure 6 by the dot-dash lines. As can beseen by reference to the figure, the path of such a coin is so affectedby the eddy current braking magnet 194 that it passes between separator214 and bouncer 208 after having left the field of magnet 194. Afterhaving passed between separator 214 and bouncer 208, a genuine dime isengaged by a lateral deflector 226 extended outwardly from plate 10 atthe base of opening 132, as viewed in Figure 6. Projection 226 deflectsthe genuine dime laterally of the plate 18 and into a dime dischargeopening 228 formed in the bottom of the assembly bythe portion, of plate10 below opening 132, by bosses.

opening 250 into the common coin passage.

114 and 116, and by the quarter eddy current magnet mounting plate 102.This opening 228 can best be seen by reference to Figures Sand 9.

From the structure thus far described it will be seen that I- haveprovided an assembly which separates genuine coins from spuriouscoinsand which classifies respective genuine coins as nickels, dimes, orquarters. Slugs formed with holes are caught by washer catcher 32.Ferrous slugs are arrested in their movement along the common coinpassage by ferrous keeper magnet 84. Slugs or coins which are too thickor which have too large a diameter are arrested in their movement alongthe common coin passage. It is to be noted, moreover, that my mechanismarrests the passage of undesired coins such as pennies, or the like,along the common coin passage. It will be appreciated that when certaintypes of slugs or undesired coins have been deposited in opening 16 theymay become caught or jammed in the common coin passage. If some meanswere not provided for removing such slugs and undesired coins from theassembly, further operation of the device would be impossible, sincegenuine coins could not by-pass the caught coins and slugs. I haveprovided a scavenging mechanism for removing such caught coins and slugsfrom the common coin passage and feeding them to a slug dischargeopening.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, this scavenging mechanism includes ascavenging lever 230 pivotally mounted on a screw 232 carried by theupper portion of plate 10 adjacent side 12. Lever 230 is normally urgedin a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2 by a spring 234, one endof which engages a pin 236 in plateltl and the other end of whichengages an offset portion 238 of lever 230. A washer 240 retains thecoiled portion of spring 234 on screw 232.

As can be seen by reference to Figures 2, 6, and 10, in order to providea means for moving coins caught on scales 48 and 66 laterally oil? thescales, I swingably mount a plate 242 on a rod 244 fixed between theflanges 56 and 58 of plate 10. Plate 242 is provided at its base with apair of laterally extending fingers 246 and 248 which extend through aslot 250 formed in plate 10 above the openings 60 and 78 through whichscales 48 and 66 extend. Plate 242 is normally urged by a spring 252 ina direction so that the fingers 246 and 248 extend through Spring 252surrounds rod 244 and has one of its ends positioned against plate 10and the other end positioned against the plate 242. Plate 242 is formedwith a lug 254 along its upper edge. Lug 254 carries a pin 256 which isengaged by a projection 258 upstanding from the upper edge of lever 230.As lever 230 is urged in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2,by the action of spring 234, projection 258 engages pin 256 to movefingers 246 and 248 out of the coin passage against the action of spring252. The movement of both plate 242 and lever 230 is limited by theengagement of lug 254 with the surface of plate 10. Normally, therefore,when the scavenging lever is not actuated, fingers 246 and 248 arepositioned out of the common coin passage.

Referring again to Figure 2, lever 230 is resiliently connected withmovable wall 18 by a coil spring 260 fixed at one end in an opening 262in lever 230 and connected at the other end to a pin 264 carried by theear 20 of movable wall 18. Spring 260 is not normally under tension sothat movable wall 18, owing to the influence of gravity, occupies aposition where it completes the common coin passage. When, however,lever230 is moved against the action of spring 234, spring 260 istensioned to pivot movable wall 18 in a direction to move wall 18 awayfrom plate 18 and thereby open one side of the coin passage. At the sametime, as lever 230 is moved against the action of spring 234, projection258 is disengaged from pin 256 and plate 242 may pivot under the actionof spring 252 so that fingers 246 and 248 enter the come mon coinpassage through the opening 250. The arrangement of the parts is suchthat when lever 230 is actuated, pin 256 is first released to permitfingers 246 and 248 to engage coins or slugs on scales 48 and 66 to movethem sidewise into engagement with movable wall 18. Upon continuedmovement of lever 230 wall 18 moves and the coins or slugs are swept offthe scales by fingers 246 and 248. After fingers 246 and 248 have moveda sufiicient distance to sweep caught coins or slugs off the scales, themovement of plate 242 is arrested by the engagement of the plate 242with the portion of the plate above the slot 258. Continued movement oflever 230, however, pivots movable wall 18 further away from plate 10.Coins caught between the movable wall and the fingers 246 and 248 arethereby released and permitted to drop into a slug rejection chute,indicated generally by reference character 264 in Figure 1. As can beseen by reference to Figures 1 and 15, chute 264 is formed by a sidemember 266, an inclined bottom portion 268 under the scales, and an endwall 278. The other end of the chute is closed by side 12. Thisscavenger chute directs undesired coins or slugs to a suitable slugreceptacle.

Since ferrous keeper magnet lever 86 is pivoted on movable wall 18, asthe wall '18 is pivoted outwardly from the plate 10 magnet 84 will alsobe moved outwardly and will carry a spurious coin caught thereby outover the scavenging chute 264. In order to actuate magnet 84 so that aslug of magnetic material caught thereby is scraped from the face of themagnet by scraper 90 at the time when the magnet and slug are disposedover the scavenging chute, I fix a rod 272 on the end of lever 230remote from its pivotal mounting 232. As lever 230 is moved during ascavenging operation, rod 272 engages the end 274 of lever 86 which ison the side of pivot 88 remote from the magnet 84. As a result of thisengagement, lever 86 is moved in a clockwise direction about pivot 88,as viewed in Figure l, and a ferrous slug held by magnet 84 engages withscraper 96 and is held thereby while magnet 84 moves beyond the scraperto release the ferrous slug and thus permit it to drop into thescavenging chute 264. It is to be noted that movable wall 18 is formedwith an opening 275 which permits the movement of rod 272 relative tothe movable wall. Plate 10 is also formed with an opening 277 whichpermits this movement.

As has been described hereinabove, the washer catcher 32 is pivoted onthe portion 30 formed on movable Wall 18. As the movable wall pivotsoutwardly from plate 10, the washer catcher 32 likewise pivots outwardlyand releases a slug or coin formed with a hole therein. It will beappreciated that the washer catcher 32 is disposed over the verticalportion of the scavenging chute 264 so that a coil released by thewasher catcher drops directly into the scavenging chute.

A possibility exists that coins such as pennies or slugs which have adiameter which is larger than a dime but less than a nickel may becomecaught in the common coin passage between pin 94 and boss 82. In orderto dislodge such coins or slugs I have provided a sweep arm for sweepingacross this portion of the common coin passage each time the scavenginglever 230 is operated. As can be seen by reference to Figure 16, thiswiper 276 is pivoted on a pin 278 carried by plate 10. A spring 280surrounds pin 278 and is retained thereon by a washer 282. One end ofspring 280 is positioned against a pin 284 carried by plate 10 and theother end of spring 280 bears against a pin 286 carried by wiper 276. Inthis manner the spring biases the wiper to rotate in a counterclockwisedirection as viewed in Figure 16. This movement of the wiper is limitedby its engagement with rod 272. As rod 272 is moved downwardly inresponse to the actuation of the scavenger lever 238, wiper 276 sweepsacross the common coin passage adjacent the entrance to the dime cointrack to dislodge any coin caught in the passage adjacent this point.Caught coins engaged by a wiper 276 are knocked back along the commoncoin passage toward the nickel scale 66. It will be remembered that atthis time the nickel scale is not tilted so that a possibility existsthat a coin knocked back by wiper 27 6 may become lodged on the nickelscale. In order to clear the nickel scale if this occurs, I provide ameans for dumping the nickel scale when the scavenging mechanismoperates.

Referring now to Figure 2, the quarter coin track brake 126 is providedwith a fitting 288 having an opening in which I mount a wire whisker 290by means of a screw 292. Brake 126 is also formed with an offsetprojection 294- which is arranged to be engaged by the end of lever 230carrying pin 272 as the lever moves downwardly. When projection 294 isso engaged, brake 126 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction asviewed in Figure 2 and whisker 290 engages the portion of scale 66carrying screw 76 to tilt the scale in a direction to dump a coin orslug forced back thereon by wiper 276 into the scavenger chute 264.

I have provided my improved coin separator and slug ejector with anantitilt means for preventing a dishonest person from inducing a slug topass through the separator and into the coin actuatedmechanism bytilting the machine. Informed tilting of the machine may alter the coinpaths to cause a slug to pass into chutes for genuine coins, instead ofinto the slug chute. As can be seen by reference to Figure 1, anantitilt lever 296 is pivotally mounted on a pin 297 in the plate 10.One end of lever 296 is formed with a re-entrant portion 298. The otherend of lever 296 carries a weight 300 which biases the lever to aposition where the re-entrant portion 298 normally lies adjacent thewasher catcher 32. When lever 296 is in its normal position, there-entrant portion 298 permits the washer catcher 32 to be pivoted by acoin passing through the opening 16. When the machine and the separatorassembly carried thereby are tilted in either direction from theposition shown in Figure l, lever 296 pivots with respect to the plate10 so that one of the sides of the re-entrant portion 298 engages andimmobilizes washer catcher 32. It will be appreciated that in thiscondition of the parts, no slug or coin may pass by the immobilizedwasher catcher 32. Such a coin or slug, except one formed with a hole,will pass by the washer catcher when the machine is returned to levelposition. A slug or spurious coin will then be ejected in the normalmanner. It will be appreciated that the pivotally mounted brakes in therespective coin tracks may also function as antitilt devices to preventfurther passage of coins or slugs along the coin tracks when the machineis tilted, or to interfere with the paths of travel of coins to effecttheir rejection when the assembly is tilted.

In operation, the user deposits coins of the proper denominations intothe coin slot 16. If genuine coins are deposited, they will pass thewasher catcher 32 and will pivot it about the pin 34 during theirpassage. The coins then travel down the common coin passage of theassembly. Quarters tilt the quarter coin scale 48 and pass into thequarter coin track 65 and downwardly along track 98 until they strikedamper brake 126. After striking damper brake 126 they pass through thefield of magnet 122 and are sufliciently retarded thereby so that theystrike the left-hand side of separator 144, as viewed in Figure 3, andprojection 134 deflects them into the genuine quarter discharge passage.

If a ferrous slug has been deposited, it will be caught by ferrouskeeper magnet 84. If a nonferrous, spurious quarter of proper thickness,diameter, and weight is deposited, it will pass into the quarter cointrack 65. Depending upon the material of which it is constituted, theslug will either bounce off bouncer 138 after passing through the fieldof magnet 132, or will drop directly to the right-hand side of separator144. From separator 144 such a spurious 'coin will be deflected into thebad quarter discharge opening 136.

Ferrous nickel or dime slugs will be caught by the ferrous keeper magnetin the same manner as are ferrous quarter slugs. Similarly, spuriousnickels or dimes formed with holes will be caught by washer catcher 32.Nickels of the proper thickness, diameter, and weight ride down thecommon coin passage until they engage pin 92 where they tilt the scale66 and drop into the nickel coin track 79 so as to travel along track146. The movement of true nickels will be so affected by the nickel eddycurrent magnet 160 that such nickels bounce oif anvil 174 so thatprojection 182 will deflect them to pass out of theacceptable nickelopening 188. This path of movement can be seen by reference to Figure 8.Spurious nickels, which are not retarded by the eddy current magnet 160so that they strike anvil 174, and which are formed of a metal having arelatively low coefiicient of restitution, will merely drop off theanvil and pass out of opening 179. Spurious nickels which are retardedto a greater degree than are true nickels fail to reach anvil 174- andpass directly downwardly through opening 179. As can be seen byreference to Figure 9, true dimes deposited in the opening 16 passdownwardly over both the quarter and nickel scales and into the dimecoin track 8%. The movement of true dimes is affected by eddy currentmagnet 194 to such an extent that true dimes are engaged by projection226 and directed into the good dime acceptance opening 228. The path ofspurious dimes, which are not aifected to any appreciable degree by theeddy current magnet 194, is such that they drop to the left-hand side ofseparator 214 and are directed by guide portion 224 into the slugdischarge opening 179. Spurious dimes whose movement is retardedconsiderably by eddy current magnet 194 strike bouncer 268 from whencethey bound onto guide 224 which directs them to opening 179.

After a slug or undesired coin has been caught for any reason in thecommon coin passage, it must be ejected therefrom before the nextsucceeding operation of the machine being protected can take place. Sucha spurious coin may be caught by washer catcher 32, by the ferrouskeeper magnet 84, or may become lodged in the passage because of itsimproper thickness or diameter. In order to dislodge and discharge acaught coin or slug, the scavenger lever 230 is pivoted about pivot 232in a counterclockwise direction. This movement causes fingers 246 and248, which are formed on the plate 242, to move into the opening 250 andto pass across the coil passage so as to clamp caught coins and slugsaginst the movable wall 18. At the same time wall 18' is movedoutwardly. After a predetermined amplitude of motion, the movement ofplate 242 is arrested so that clamped coins are released upon furthermovement of movable wall 18, permitting the caught slugs to be droppedinto the slug channel 264. As the movable wall 18 moves outwardly,spurious coins formed with holes which have been caught by washercatcher 32 are likewise released and drop into the slug ejectionopening. Then too, as movable wall 18 moves outwardly, rod 272 on lever230 engages the end 274 of arm 286 which carries the ferrous keepermagnet 84 to move the magnet 34- upwardly as viewed in Figure 1. As themagnet moves upwardly, a coin caught thereby engages scraper 8t) and isremoved from the face of the magnet to be dropped into the slug path264. As can be seen by reference to Figure 16, rod 272 in its downwardmovement also engages wiper 276 to pivot it in a clockwise directionagainst the action of spring 289. Wiper 276 sweeps across the portion ofthe common coin passage adjacent the entrance to the dime coin track andforces a coin, caught by pin 94, back along the common coin passage. Inorder to ensure that such a coin is not retained on the nickel coinscale, whisker 290 engages and tilts this scale to release a coin whichmay be positioned thereon as the wiper is operated. The antitilt lever296 operates in the manner described hereinabove to prevent coins andslugs from passing through the assembly to an acceptance opening whenthe machine is tilted.

It will be seen that I have accomplished the objects of my invention. Ihave provided an improved coin separator and slug ejector which issimple in construction, certain in operation, and which may readily bedis.- assembled to permit cleaning thereof. My improved coin separatorand slug ejector prevents the passage of slugs formed with holes andferrous slugs through the assembly. It separates deposited coins intotheir respective denominations and tests the separated coins todetermine the material of which they are constituted. Spurious coinswhich are not formed of the proper material are directed to a slugreceptacle, while genuine coins are directed to their proper respectiveacceptance openings. My assembly is provided with means for rejectingslugs or undesired coins which have been caught by the ap-- paratus. Myassembly may be accurately and expeditiously adjusted. It may be quicklyand readily dismounted for easy cleaning. My device cannot be defeatedby tilting the assembly and altering the paths of travel of the coins.My separator not only measures the diameter and thickness of the coins,but also weighs them. The electric conductivity, the specific gravityand the elasticity of the material of the coins are utilized in myassembly. The brakes of my assembly reduce random variations in thecoins being tested.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of myclaims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made indetails within the scope of my claims Without departing from the spiritof my invention. It is therefore to be understood that my invention isnot to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a device of the character described, means forming a common coinpassage, means forming a coin slot for directing coins inserted thereinto said common coin passage, a washer catcher, means pivotally mountingsaid washer catcher between said coin slot and the common coin passage,means normally biasing said washer catcher to a position where itextends into the space between the coin slot and the common coinpassage, the arrangement being such that a coin pivots said washercatcher and passes by the Washer catcher into the common coin passagewhile a slug formed with a hole is caught and retained thereby, anantitilt lever, means pivotally mounting said antitilt lever adjacentthe washer catcher, means formed on said antitilt lever for preventingpivotal movement of said washer catcher when the machine is tilted, andmeans biasing said antitilt lever to a position where the washer catcheris permitted to pivot.

2. In a device of the character described a common coin passageincluding a first wall formed by a fixed plate and a second wall, meansmounting said second wall for pivotal movement away from said fixedplate, means normally biasing said movable wall toward said fixed plate,means forming a coin slot for directing coins and slugs inserted thereininto the common coin passage, a ferrous keeper magnet for arresting themovement of slugs formed of ferrous material, means pivotally mountingthe ferrous keeper magnet on the movable wall adjacent the entrance tothe common coin passage about an axis substantially perpendicular to theplane of said movable wall, scavenging means for moving said movablewall away from the fixed plate against the action of said biasing means,said scavenging means actuating said magnet mounting means to move saidmagnet away from the coin passage as said movable wall moves away fromthe fixed plate, and means for retaining slugs caught by said magnet assaid magnet is moved away from the coin passage.

3. In a device of the character described means forming a common coinpassage, said means including a support and a scale, means pivotallymounting said scale on the support, biasing means normally urging saidscale to a position to form a portion of the bottom of said coimnon coinpassage, the arrangement being such that a coin or slug having apredetermined weight actuates said scale against the action of thebiasing means, diameter sizing means disposed in said coin passage in aposition to be engaged by coins and slugs passing over said scale, saiddiameter sizing means being adapted to arrest coins having a diametergreater than a predetermined diameter, a sweep arm pivotally mountedadjacent said diameter sizing means, means normally biasing said sweeparm to a position out of the common coin passage, scavenging meansoperable to urge said sweep arm into said passage against the action ofsaid biasing means to dislodge a coin or slug caught by said diametersizing means and urge it toward said scale, and means operable by saidscavenging means to pivot said scale to permit a dislodged coin or slugto be dropped out of the coin passage.

4. A coin separator and slug ejector for coin operated machinesincluding in combination a common coin passage, a coin slot fordirecting coins deposited therein to said common coin passage, aplurality of coin tracks disposed below said common coin passage, saidcommon coin passage including means for separating coins according todenomination by weight and means for directing separated coins and slugsto respective coin tracks, means forming an acceptance opening and arejection opening adjacent the respective coin tracks, a washer catcherdisposed between said coin slot and said coin passage for arresting themovement of slugs formed with holes from the coin slot to the coinpassage, said washer catcher adapted to move in response to the passageof a coin from said coin slot to said coin passage, an antitilt levermounted adjacent said washer catcher and arranged to lock said washercatcher against movement when the machine is tilted and means foraffecting the trajectories of coins and slugs leaving a coin track in amanner to direct true coins to said acceptance opening and spuriouscoins to said rejection opening.

5. A coin separator and slug ejector for coin operated machinesincluding a common coin passage having a first wall formed by a fixedplate and having a second wall formed by a movable plate pivotallymounted on the fixed plate, a coin slot for directing coins depositedtherein to said common coin passage, a plurality of coin tracks disposedbelow said common coin passage, said common coin passage including meansfor separating coins according to denomination by weight and includingmeans for directing separated coins and slugs to respective coin tracks,means forming an acceptance opening and a rejec tion opening adjacentthe respective coin tracks, means for affecting the trajectories ofcoins and slugs leaving a coin track in a manner to direct true coins tosaid acceptance opening and spurious coins to said rejection opening, afinger, means mounting said finger on said fixed plate for pivotalmovement into and out of the coin passage, means normally biasing saidfinger to a position out of the common coin passage, scavenging meansadapted when operated to move said finger against the action of saidbiasing means into the common coin passage to clamp a coin or slugdisposed in said passage between said finger and said movable wall, saidscavenging means including means for concomitantly moving said fingerand said movable wall to carry a clamped coin or slug out of the commoncoin passage, means permitting relative movement between said finger andsaid movable wall and means for arresting the movement of said fingerafter said concomitant movement of said finger and said movable wall torelease said coin upon further movement of said movable wall.

6. In a device of the character described, means forming a common coinpassage, means forming a coin slot for directing coins inserted thereininto said common coin passage, a ferrous keeper magnet for arrestingslugs formed of ferrous material, means pivotally mounting said ferrouskeeper magnet for movement about an axis which is normally substantiallyperpendicular to the -plane of said coin passage adjacent the entranceto the common coin passage, means mounting said magnet mounting meansfor movement about an axis substantially parallel to the plane of saidcoin passage, scavenging means for pivoting said magnet mounting meansaway from the common coin passage while moving said magnet around itspivotal mounting means, a spurious coin chute adjacent said common coinpassage and means responsive to movement of said magnet about itspivotal mounting means for causing a slug arrested by said magnet tofall into said spurious coin chute when said magnet mounting meanspivots away from the common coin passage.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,343,675 Hyatt June 15, 1920 1,624,741 Leppke Apr. 12, 1927 1,646,277Dolman Oct. 18, 1927 1,704,930 Wagner Mar. 12, 1929 1,850,382 CorineMar. 22, 1932 1,923,535 Gottfried Aug. 22, 1933 2,064,425 Gottfried Dec.15, 1936 2,108,651 Cherry Feb. 15, 1938 2,151,823 Tratsch Mar. 28, 19392,170,897 Hoban Aug. 29, 1939 2,240,035 Catherall Apr. 29, 19412,243,926 Tratsch June 3, 1941 2,250,047 Mills July 22, 1941 2,287,292Bugg June 23, 1942 2,326,214 Gottfried Aug. 10, 1943 2,376,357 HokansonMay 22, 1946 2,446,510 Hokanson Aug. 3, 1948 2,565,177 Hokanson Aug. 21,1951 2,742,250 Cronberger Apr. 17, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 19,399 FranceJan. 20, 1915 602,908 Germany Sept. 19, 1934 634,879 Germany Sept. 5,1936

